The Path to College Starts Early: Preparing Homeschoolers for College Admissions

When it comes to college admissions, starting early is key. Homeschool parents have a unique opportunity to shape a personalized learning experience, and by planning ahead, they can ensure their students have everything they need to succeed in college and beyond. Below, we outline some practical steps and tips for preparing your homeschooler for college admissions, along with resources to support you along the way.

1. Start with Academic Planning

Begin by setting a solid academic foundation that aligns with your student’s goals and interests. Use tools like Overgrad, which is included in our College Bound services, to track academic progress, plan courses, set goals, and align courses with college admissions standards.

• Focus on Core Subjects: Colleges look for a balanced curriculum with strong performance in math, science, language arts, and social studies.

• Include Honors, AP, or Dual Enrollment Courses if Possible: These options demonstrate a rigorous academic experience and can make an application stand out.

• Document Progress: Maintain detailed records of courses, grades, and extracurricular activities, as colleges often require a homeschool transcript.

2. Encourage Extracurricular Involvement

Colleges seek well-rounded students who engage with their communities and have developed skills and interests beyond academics.

• Community Service: Volunteer work demonstrates empathy, responsibility, and a commitment to helping others.

• Clubs and Teams: Encourage your student to join local clubs or sports teams. If these options are limited, look into virtual clubs or hobby groups.

• Leadership Roles: Whether it’s a club, group project, or family responsibilities, developing leadership skills can stand out in college applications.

3. Build Strong Study Skills Early

Effective study habits are essential for college success. Start incorporating these skills during middle school or early high school. Our College Bound services include support for organizing study schedules and building critical skills that college students need to succeed.

• Time Management: Teach them to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and balance academics with other activities.

• Note-Taking and Organization: Introduce methods like the Cornell note-taking system or digital organization tools

• Self-Advocacy: Encourage your student to ask questions, seek help when needed, and understand their learning style.

4. Prepare for Standardized Tests

Standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are often part of the admissions process for homeschoolers, even if they are not required for traditional admission.

• Practice Early: Use prep resources or practice exams to familiarize your student with the test format and question styles.

• Utilize Practice Resources: Free online resources like Khan Academy or paid resources like FunCation Academy for SAT and ACT prep courses provide graded feedback and extensive preparation.

5. Explore Career Interests and Goals

Understanding career interests can help shape a meaningful high school experience that aligns with college goals.

• Career Exploration Activities: Encourage job shadowing, internships, or career days to help your student discover potential career paths.

• Career Assessments: Tools like the career identification quiz in our College Bound services can help identify strengths and career possibilities.

6. Look into Financial Aid Early

Considering college costs early on can make a huge difference in your student’s future. Researching financial aid options and scholarships now can help ease the burden of tuition costs.

• Save Gradually: Starting a college fund, no matter how small, can alleviate future financial stress.

• Research Scholarships: Look for scholarship programs that align with your student’s talents, interests, and goals. Many scholarships are available to students as early as 13 years old.

• Attend Our Workshop on Financial Aid: If you're unsure where to begin, our "Worried about Paying for College" workshop will help you understand financial aid, the FAFSA, and scholarship options without overwhelming you with details.

Final Thoughts

The college admissions journey may seem complex, but starting early can set your homeschooler on a path to success. By building a strong academic foundation, exploring career interests, and planning financially, you prepare your child for the best possible college experience. Embrace each step, and remember that resources like College Bound and our financial aid workshops are here to support your journey.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Education. (2017). How to Get a High School Diploma at Home. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov

• Purdue University. (2023). Study Skills for College Success. Retrieved from https://www.purdue.edu

• FairTest. (2023). Colleges That Don’t Require SAT or ACT Scores. Retrieved from https://www.fairtest.org